Southeast Showdown The 7th Annual

One of the things that we magazine photographers like best is heading out to a show and finding new vehicles. We often see the same trucks, show after show, and begin to wonder if anybody is bringing out something special. Since our goal is to present you with exciting show coverage and new custom ideas, shows like the Southeast Showdown are high on our list. Show promoter Jon Fulmer continues to come up with new and innovative ideas to attract the best trucks in the area. The big cash prize for the Best Debuting Truck at the event means that drivers were burning the midnight oil to ensure that their trucks were ready for his show. It’s a great idea and it works! We also saw several under construction trucks that were not completed in time for this year’s show but will soon be on the road as well as in front of our cameras.

2/23Emcee John Jackson chats with the crowd during the Sunday afternoon awards ceremonies. After presenting the Top 70 trophies, the Best Of’s followed, with more than $2,700 in prize money going to the winners.

Wandering the rows of the Anderson County Fairgrounds, in Anderson, South Carolina, we enjoyed seeing the great collection of trucks like Scott Young’s Torch Red ’64 M-1. The lone Merc at the show, this pristine ride was motivated by a 514 crate motor, was pumping out a Corvette-challenging 600 hp. At the opposite end of the spectrum was the ride from the Team Tetanus crew. Owner Lee Mathis would caution anyone approaching his rusty ride, asking them if they’ve had their shots! Lots of cool engineering innovations resided underneath the rough exterior. Occupying the category right between shiny and new and rusty and dusty was Andrew Jones vintage Ford, dubbed “Last Chance”. The semi-smooth ’64 had a few ripples on the outside but was equipped with a high-tech air suspension with the components laid out in the bed for all to see. The high-tech theme continued under the hood with an equally unique six-cylinder motor energized by three sidedraft Weber carbs. You never know what you’ll find at Southeast Showdown.

Of course, now that Hooters is a major sponsor, everyone enjoyed great food served by beautiful waitresses, providing another dimension to an already well-rounded show. The gals even participated in an onstage game of Twister, adding to the day’s entertainment. Multiple after-parties Saturday night gave truckers even more options. The judging team worked hard Saturday and Sunday, culminating in the afternoon awards ceremony with the top 70 drivers receiving custom-made Plexiglas trophies. Another three dozen competitors collected specialty awards and even bigger trophies. The top debuting vehicles took home more than Plexiglas, finding $1,000 in each of their award envelopes. The Best Club Participation award went to Pebble Pushers, Negative Camber took the Vehicle Quality trophy based on the scorecards of the vehicles they entered, and Twizted Intentions took the Club Quality award.

If you like to have fun in a great location and with a great group of truckers, put the Southeast Showdown on your events calendar. The dates are July 22-24, 2011. And, if the timing is right to introduce your newest creation, you might come away from this weekend party with some extra cash in your pocket. Check out www.southeastshowdown.com for more details.

Show promoter, Jon Fulmer would like to thank the team that made it all possible, beginning with Mom and Bob, Cagney, John Jackson, Logan, and Lucas. Great sponsors also helped to make it possible. Thanks to Hooters, Palmetto Rod Worx, Stylin’ Solutions, Air Zenith, PPG, Auto Body Color & Supply, Auto Extremes, and Strada Wheels. As always, a portion of the proceeds went to the End Alzheimer’s Association. CCT